I can show Alan Pardew I'm ready for Demba Ba job

Along with Alan Shearer, he’s definitely the best striker I’ve ever played with. But he’s gone now so it’s a big opportunity for someone to step in and do a job and hopefully that will be me.

Shola Ameobi

Ameobi is set to be handed one of the toughest assignments in football right now – filling the goalscoring boots of prolific team-mate Demba Ba while he is away on Senegal duty at the African Nations Cup.

Ba boasts the best goalscoring ratio in Premier League history after taking his tally to 15 in 16 games in Newcastle’s stunning 3-0 win over Manchester United. Ameobi, in contrast, has found the net just once this term.

But he rarely lets his hometown club down and is set to spearhead the Toon attack in today’s FA Cup tie at home to Blackburn, the side which dumped Newcastle out of the Carling Cup.

“Demba is flying and can do no wrong at the moment so he’s going to be a massive miss for us,” said Ameobi.

“Along with Alan Shearer, he’s definitely the best striker I’ve ever played with. But he’s gone now so it’s a big opportunity for someone to step in and do a job and hopefully that will be me.

“It’s been frustrating not having played regularly but I’ve always retained my focus regardless of whether I am in the team or not.

“I feel good right now and, while I’d have loved a run of games, it’s not a case of me struggling due to a lack of confidence.

“I know if I am called upon, I can do a job and give the performances needed to help us win games.”

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has set his sights on Newcastle winning the FA Cup for the first time since 1955.

And Ameobi, who scored in a semi-final defeat against Manchester United in 2005, says his manager’s enthusiasm for the competition is infectious.

“Throughout the week, he talks about winning the trophy and doing something great for the fans and for the city. As players we buy into that. People can see the cup as a distraction but the manager really wants to bring silverware to this club.